News Releases
BMO Capital Markets, the investment and corporate banking arm of BMO Financial Group (TSX, NYSE: BMO), is proud to announce its third Equity Through Education charitable trading day program.
On May 2nd, all institutional equity trading commissions earned by BMO Capital Markets across North America will go directly to seven important organizations, whose missions include improving access to education and training for bright, deserving individuals who might not otherwise have the opportunity.
“Many people have the capability, but may lack the support and the means to pursue ambitions achieved through education. At BMO Capital Markets, we want to help. We are honoured to assist the selected agencies in their collective efforts to improve lives, strengthen neighbourhoods and provide a foundation for individuals to achieve personal fulfillment through education,” said Eric Tripp, Co-President, BMO Capital Markets and Campaign Chair of the special trading day.
Since the launch of the program in 2005, Equity Through Education has raised more than CDN$3.2 Million / US$2.6 Million to support Education and Diversity. More than 1,300 individuals have benefited from the program through scholarships, bursaries, mentoring programs and job search strategy forums.
BMO Capital Markets, through its parent, BMO Financial Group, has a proud tradition of supporting community reinvestment and corporate and social responsibility to the communities it serves. BMO Financial Group contributed more than $40 million in corporate donations, sponsorships and events in 2006, supporting thousands of communities, charities and not-for-profit organizations in Canada and the United States.
About the charities that Equity Through Education supports:
Canadian Organizations
- Foundation for the Advancement of Aboriginal Youth (FAAY)
FAAY is a scholarship and bursary program dedicated to developing the next generation of aboriginal leaders. By encouraging youth to stay in school, FAAY bridges the gap between the reality aboriginal youth face in their communities and the opportunities available to those with higher education. All funds contributed by Equity through Education will be applied directly to bursaries and scholarships for Aboriginal students.
www.ccab.com - Canadian Merit Scholarship Foundation (CMSF)
Canada's largest independent scholarship organization for undergraduate study identifies and supports talented students, in this case women, who display leadership potential and a strong commitment of service in the community. Specifically, the proceeds from Equity through Education will be used to fund scholarships.
www.cmsf.ca - Pathways Canada
A unique program first created and implemented in Toronto's Regent Park. Pathways Canada supports “at-risk”, economically disadvantaged youth through high school and inspires them to move on to post-secondary programs. It operates in Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia. All funds donated by Equity through Education will be used towards the four supports that compromise the trademark Pathways model: tutoring, mentoring, student and parent advocacy.
www.pathwaystoeducation.ca - The National Educational Association of Disabled Students (NEADS)
NEADS is a national organization that works to achieve full access to education for post-secondary students with disabilities across Canada. NEADS also supports the transition from school to the employment market for college and university graduates with disabilities. The proceeds from Equity through Education will be used to develop training programs for students with disabilities as they prepare to enter the job market.
www.neads.ca
U.S. Organizations
- The Jackie Robinson Foundation
The Jackie Robinson Foundation provides education and leadership development opportunities for students of color with strong capabilities, but limited financial resources. Serving as an advocate for young people with the greatest need, the Foundation assists increasing numbers of minority youths through the granting of scholarships for higher education. The proceeds from Equity Through Education will be used to fund the foundation's support for academically gifted students of color with financial needs.
www.jackierobinson.org - YAI National Institute for People with Disabilities Network
For 50 years, the YAI/NIPD Network has provided a place of hope for people with developmental and learning disabilities. Comprising seven not-for-profit, independent health and human service agencies, the YAI/NIPD Network serves 20,000 individuals of all ages, and their families in more than 450 community-based programs.
www.yai.org - The Financial Women's Association
The Financial Women's Association (FWA) is a leading executive organization of 1,100 members committed to shaping leaders in business and finance with a special emphasis on the role and development of women. The FWA serves its members through educational programs and networking opportunities, and serves the community through its nationally acclaimed scholarship, mentoring and training programs. The proceeds from Equity Through Education will be used to endow BMO Capital Markets' College Scholarships for undergraduate students with financial need and academic promise at Baruch College.
www.fwa.org
About BMO Capital Markets
BMO Capital Markets is a leading North American financial services provider offering investment and corporate banking, advisory services, treasury and market risk management, institutional investing, and research. BMO Capital Markets is a member of BMO Financial Group (NYSE, TSX: BMO), which has total assets of CAD$356 billion/ US$306 billion as at January 31, 2007, and more than 35,000 employees. For more information, please visit www.bmocm.com.
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